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LinuxDig.Com : 4 Computers and a KVM. The difficulty of Apple OS X, XP and Linux
Author: HumanX | Thursday December 30, 2004
Connecting 4 computers using a KVM should be easy right? Well here is the story of what it took to get an Apple G5, Laptop, (PC) XP and (PC) Linux running correctly on a KVM with three monitors.
Thank those who created USB and darn those with BIOS’s that do not support USB keyboards and mice. You would think connecting 4 computers through a KVM would be simple, not so. Here is a list of computers I am connecting and a short summary of some issues and resolutions.
Computers
1. Apple G5 Dual 2.0 (OS X 10.3.7)
2. Custom AMD XP MSI MB (Pro 2) – Mouse not supporting USB Keyboards (Windows XP)
3. Dell Dimension (Novell Suse Linux)
4. Compaq Laptop AMD 64 Dual Boot (Novell Suse Linux, Microsoft XP )
Equipment
Logitech Cordless DUO (Keyboard and Mouse)
Belkin 4 port USB/PS2/Audio Switch.
2 Apple 20” Cinema Displays
ViewSonic P191s (I cannot say enough good things about this monitor)
Belkin
The Belkin f1ds104t leaves allot to be desired.
The Bad
1. USB signal is emulated which does not properly communicate the devices connected to any of the systems, therefore, I can not use any of the Logitech software for the devices on the systems.
2. I had the USB connected to the G5 and PS/2 connected to the PC. When switching between machines, the mouse lost synchronization and failed to respond on the PC’s. Belkin tech support said that by plugging in the optional 9 volt DC power adapter this may fix the issue.
The Good
The hot key system switch works very well. You can alt (up down arrow keys) or alt (0-3) and switch to each connected system, also manual switching is available on the front of the unit. Supports both USB and PS 2 and switches your audio and microphone. Cost was $140.00 without the cables (Not bad).
Other Options
Dr. Botts sells a similar KVM which many people swear by which is more expensive but comes with cables and does not support PS/2.
Setup
For my setup I wanted my Mac and my Dell Linux box running two monitors. Both of these machines have dual head video cards. So each system was given its own Apple monitor on one port and on the other video port connected to the KVM which uses a Viewsonic monitor. The remaining machines are only granted single monitors.
Problems
Because this unit supports higher resolutions, I hade to buy all new video cables, which isn’t cheap. Using the old video cables from a previous KVM resulted in ghosting when the Apple was the default system.
One of the reasons I picked the Belkin was because it supported PS/2 (Even though I had problems). If I ever needed to get into the BIOS of my machine, I can plug the PS/2 cables back into the KVM and remove the USB cable.
Signal loss in the switched monitor is acceptable but, apparent.
More on KVM’s
There are many KVM’s on the market today and I suggest you shop carefully. KVM’s can get to be quite expensive once you add in the price of cabling, almost as much as a new computer (if not more).
I did a great deal of research before I settled on the Belkin and I took my chances based on the many negative reviews I have read. I got lucky, the setup works just enough. I am hoping that Belkin will release a flash upgrade which better supports newer mice and keyboards.
There are many KVM’s on the market today that do not emulate the USB signal while also supporting a perfect video signal, and you will pay a premium for these items.
Even though I did have some problems I would still probably recommend the Belkin, but do the research before you buy and good luck on your KVM.
ViewSonic VP191s
No this is not a plug for Viewsonic, that being said I cannot tell you what a great monitor this is. Vibrant, responsive and best of all adjusts the screen automatically to fit the picture within the frame.
One of the problems I have had with Linux and the Console on flat screens is that the frequencies cause the text to roll off the screen. Unless you adjust the console with framebuffer or some other driver (or manually), this is an issue. The VP191s, automatically adjusts the screen to fit the console!
I have to say, this true 19” flat screen priced at just under $700 ranks with the best of them.
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